deirdres

We'll be traveling to D.C. in Feb. of '04. We have several nights "free" with our Marriott Rewards--any suggestions on which Marriott we should pick? We're looking to do all the basic tourist stuff: Smithsonian, monuments, etc. We are a family of four (mom, dad & two teenage kids). We can do our share of walking, although I'm a bit worried about weather at that time of year. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

speedo

The JW Marriott would probably provide you with the best location for your plans. It's at 14th and PA Ave, near the Federal Triangle and most of the locations you reference. I find it a quality establishment having stayed there on business several times. The metro is within a couple of blocks and it'll take you most anywhere you wish to go. Weather will of course, be fickle during Feb.

LoisL

The J.W.Marriott was great, and the location is good for the Smithsonian, Ford Theatre, and the White House. If this is an option, it would be my first choice. As a good second choice, you might consider the Key Bridge Marriott. There's a metro stop across the street for easy access around the city, and the hotel looks out on the Potomac.

martytravels

You also might want to consider the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington. It's directly connected to the Crystal City Metro Station, and is 3 stops away from the Smithsonian museums along the mall. It's a first-rate Marriott, and it's closer to the heart of DC than a lot of hotels in the district are!

Curt

JW hands down for what you want to do

kaudrey

deirdres -

Don't worry about the weather - you can't control it!

I'd just suggest having flexible plans - do the museums on the really cold days, and the outdoor monuments on days it is supposed to be a little warmer/sunnier. Since most museums here are free, they are great for warming up!

I was in London in January and had a blast in my winter coat, gloves, and scarf!

The JW is in a great location, although I haven't stayed there, since I live here.

Welcome to DC!

Karen

AndyO_DC

JW is best for what you want to do. Blocks from the White House, Smithsonian and Metro.

Cicerone

Don't forget that you can use Marriott Reward points at other brands, and the Mayflower Renaissance in Washington DC is one to consider. A grand luxury hotel in a great location, very nicely maintained. It is just a few blocks from the White House and actually close to the JW Marriott as well. Take a look at marriott.com for information.

Also another great Marriott is the Wardman Park off Connecticut Avenue. Another DC institution. This is in a great location for shopping and restaurants, and is not really far from the main tourist sites. It is in more of a green residential part of town, and overlooks over Rock Creek Park, where you can walk and bike. Would be convenient for the Zoo as well.

Either might be a more unusual alternative to the JW Marriott.

deirdres

Wow! Thank you for all your help & advice. I'm going to investigate all your recommendations--this website is a godsend!

Kal

Metro Marriott is nice too. Metro right in the basement, few blocks to WH, good restaurants, The Mall.
But if the nights are free, I'd do the JW and see if you could get a high up room with a southern exposure so you can see The Mall.

If you do the Key Bridge Marriott, try and get an Eastern exposure above the 6th floor for a great view of either The Mall or Georgetown Univ. Both views awesome at night.
Kal

puddy

While this doesn't help deirdres, the JW Marriott apparently has rates of $94 for weekends through the end of August and only $99 on Labor Day weekend. Just thought I would throw that out there.

E

Obviously, plan for cold weather, but keep this silver lining in mind: there will be very few other tourists around! This will be great for you--uncrowded museums and monuments and stores. My SO and I toured eastern Germany in the dead of winter, and the uncrowded cities were a real boon to sightseeing. have fun!
Oh, and I'd stay at the JW Marriott on 14th Street, too.